Benz hatches baby SUV

Compact SUV will be positioned below A-Class hatch.

Benz hatches baby SUV

07 Oct 2016Greg Kable

Mercedes-Benz’s sub A-Class model will take the form of a compact SUV, according to a senior manager from the German car maker with knowledge of the new project.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity at the this month's Geneva motor show, the Mercedes-Benz manager revealed to Drive that development work had begun on a Volkswagen Polo-sized model boasting styling cues inspired by the 34-year-old G-Class.

“We have ideas for a B-segment [city-sized] car with a modern take on the traditional styling from the G-Class. We’ve already indicated a desire to extend the G-Class line-up with the Ener-G-Force concept shown at the motor show in Los Angeles, and this car is part of those plans.”

The compact Mercedes-Benz SUV, which is tentatively due to see showrooms in 2016, has been conceived as a rival to a new small Land Rover SUV previewed by the DC100concept car and a production version of the Volkswagen Taigun concept car shown at last year’s Sao Paolo motor show.

Known to insiders as the City-G, the new entry level model is planned to be based on a joint venture platform being developed by Mercedes-Benz parent company, Daimler, and its alliance partner, Renault-Nissan.

The so-called JC1 (joint compact first generation) structure is planned to support at least two different wheelbase lengths, varying track widths and both front- and four-wheel-drive layouts.

As well as underpinning the new B-segment SUV, the new platform, which has been described to Drive as being an extension of Mercedes-Benz’s existing MFA (modular front architecture) structure, is also earmarked for successor models to the existing second-generation B-Class, recently introduced third-generation A-Class, the new CLA sedan and upcoming GLA SUV – the latter of which will be both larger and more expensive than the City-G.

Among the engines for the new Mercedes-Benz will be a range of new small capacity four-cylinder direct injection petrol and common-rail diesel units currently under development as part of the joint venture with Renault-Nissan.